texas – Page 3 – made by laura lee

While I have been relatively quiet on the blog front, I have several projects brewing. I have also turned into a little bit of an introvert since the last few weeks in Austin, the weather is slowly morphing into that of Seattle. Grey, cold, and rainy. I don’t mind the grey if it’s warmer, I don’t mind the cold if it’s sunny, but it seems like it has been an eternity since the sun has warmed my skin. That being said, it has been perfect “curl up with a book” weather and I am glad to announce that I have completed my second book of 2015.

February’s Book: Grow the Good Life by Michelle Owens

My brother gave me this book a couple of years ago. Itching for Spring and the chance to play in the dirt, I figured this little gem would be great inspiration for my next plant project. I’ve always loved growing food and flowers. Ten years ago worked on a small farm called Paisley’s Farm & Greenhouse. To this day, it is still the best job I have ever had. I never recall a day I didn’t want to get out of bed and go to work. If I wasn’t at the Paisleys, I was bringing home the sickly looking plants to my dads farm to nurse them back to health. Rain or shine, I was outside, playing in the dirt, repotting perennials, etc. What I would give to be able to have that again?!

I have always known gardening was a wonderful thing, but Owens book gave some very interesting insight as to why it is so important and why as a society we have moved away and back towards gardening. I must say I am completely envious of Owens given description of her house and her garden bursting with colors, vegetables, and greenery, especially since I live in a tiny 1 bedroom apartment that has a nonexistent balcony. I make do with the walkway space and have a small collection of potted plants and window boxes. Knock on wood, no one has yet to complain about my taking up of valuable walkway real estate.

That being said, today I finally breathed some life back into my little garden. The cold had done a number on a few of my fragile friends and I knew that planting some spring flowers would lift my spirits. How could it not? Digging in the soil, the bright colors of the blooms, and the hope for sun…

The dust has settled and I am slowly cleaning up my apartment from the mania of 12 Days of Crafting and prepping and so on. I’m not going to lie, I had nightmares the entire week before that I wouldn’t be able to sell a single item or that no one would like anything. I am relieved and so very thankful to say that my first craft fair was a success. I am very much looking forward to participating in many more, that is right after I restock my inventory!

I did much better than I anticipated. There is a glimmer of hope that I could quite possibly continue to do what I do… and, wait for it, make a living off of doing what I love doing the most: making.

Here are some pictures from my table. I hope you enjoy! I have some items left, so if you are looking for Christmas gifts, search no further! Feel free to contact me!